First look at £1.2m Rowley Park playground plans in Stafford

New images have revealed how a major new inclusive playground at Rowley Park in Stafford could look as part of a multi-million-pound redevelopment of the sports stadium and surrounding park.

Stafford Borough Council says the first phase of improvements is expected to begin later this year, with the new play area planned for completion in Spring 2027.

However, the playground itself is still subject to planning permission. A recently submitted application for the replacement play area at Rowley Park Sports Ground on Averill Road is currently awaiting a decision.

Preliminary work around the wider park has already begun, with the main gates and entrance improved and work to the pathway continuing.

£1.2 million set aside for first phase

Around £1.2 million has been set aside for the initial stages of the Rowley Park improvements.

Stafford Borough Council says the money comes from contributions developers provide to local authorities as part of housebuilding and other developments, which are then used to deliver benefits for local communities.

Award-winning outdoor playground equipment company Wicksteed has been selected to carry out the play area revamp.

Alongside the playground, the first phase is also expected to include a new learn-to-ride facility, outdoor fitness equipment, seating and woodland planting.

What could be included in the playground?

The proposed play area has been designed for a range of ages and abilities and includes a number of accessible and inclusive features.

One of the largest additions would be a 9.1-metre-high multi-level play tower.

Other proposed equipment includes an imaginative play submarine, an early years Owl Tree Lookout, Treetop Towers Kora for junior to adult users, seesaws, swings, a Tempest Swing, springies, cableways and a Bouncing Element Jump R.

Interactive and sensory equipment is also proposed, including three bongo drums, a sensory fidget totem, a three-in-a-row play panel and a Fishmonger Play Panel.

A Universally Inclusive Boron play unit is among the proposed equipment, while several of the sensory and interactive features are also designed to be inclusive.

Planning documents say the playground would include wheelchair-accessible equipment as well as climbing features, slides, walkways, trampolines and musical and sensory play equipment.

Local children and disability groups consulted

The plans follow a large consultation exercise carried out by Stafford Borough Council.

Hundreds of people shared their views online and through face-to-face meetings about what they wanted to see as part of the Rowley Park redevelopment.

Council representatives also visited schools to hear directly from local children and held discussions with disability groups about making the new playground more inclusive and providing accessible facilities.

Feedback from residents and park users also helped shape plans for the learn-to-ride facility, fitness equipment, seating and woodland planting.

Planning application awaiting decision

Although Stafford Borough Council has revealed its plans and says it wants the playground completed in Spring 2027, the replacement play area has not yet received planning permission.

Planning application 26/42592/FUL was received on 13 August and validated on 14 September for the “replacement play area and associated works” at Rowley Park Sports Ground on Averill Road, Highfields.

Its current status is awaiting decision.

The application documents confirm that the proposals relate to replacing the existing playground rather than introducing a new use at the park.

The plans also include new wet-pour safety surfacing, pathways and an expanded sandpit.

Because the proposed central play tower would reach 9.1 metres, its potential impact on nearby Grade II listed Rowley Hall has also been considered.

A heritage assessment submitted with the application says existing trees between the playground and Rowley Hall would provide screening, while the remainder of the playground equipment would generally be less than four metres high.

Stafford Borough Council will make the final decision on whether planning permission is granted.

More improvements could follow

The playground is only part of the longer-term vision for Rowley Park.

Future phases will depend on further funding becoming available, but potential additions include a wheeled sports area, community sports hub, changing rooms and new public toilets.

Junior tennis courts, new walking routes, picnic areas and improvements to the car park are also being considered.

Rowley Park is already used by thousands of children, families and sportspeople and is home to an artificial football pitch, athletics track and bowling green.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said the authority was excited to see how the play area could look when completed.

She said the aim was to create a venue where families could spend time together, people could enjoy leisure and sporting activities and residents could be proud of the facilities available in Stafford.

Subject to planning permission, the council is aiming for the new playground to be completed in Spring 2027.